James "Jim" Everett Terrill, 91
James Everett Terrill of Hayden, Idaho, passed away at Kootenai Health Hospital on May 8, 2025, at the age of 91. Jim was born on Nov. 21, 1933, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was the second of four children born to Everett Terrill and Mildred (Renfro) Terrill. He had three sisters, one older and two younger than he.
Jim was raised in Mullan, Idaho, a small mining community in the Silver Valley. This was a blessing, as he was strongly influenced by hard-working men and women who instilled high moral values and a strong work ethic that stayed with him his entire life.
Jim and Doreen Leppala became devoted "high school sweethearts". She was a beautiful and fully accomplished young lady. Little did they know that this courtship would eventually lead to 65 years of devoted marriage.
Jim graduated from high school in 1951, at a time when the Korean War had reached an intense level. He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After military and technical training, he was ordered to deploy to Korea. While on a 30-day leave, he and Doreen became engaged. After his tour in Korea, he returned to the U.S., and he and Doreen Leppala were married in Mullan on January 3, 1954. Following military service, they moved to Moscow, Idaho, where Jim enrolled at the University of Idaho.
He took his college education very seriously and excelled academically. In his senior year, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Scholastic Honor Society. He graduated with high honors in May 1959. After graduation, Jim embarked on a 35-year career in the corporate arena. He was employed by Jefferson Smurfit Corporation, a large company in the pulp, paperboard and packaging industry. The company had 151 manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada, and 47,000 employees. Over the years, Jim served in several corporate officer positions in various parts of the country. In 1990, they returned to the corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The Board of Directors named Jim the President and Chief Executive Officer of the entire company. He held this position until year-end 1996, when he retired from the business world.
Shortly after retirement, Jim was surprised and gratified when the University of Idaho contacted him and advised that he had been selected to become a member of the University of Idaho Alumni Hall of Fame. He was told that to qualify as a candidate for the Hall of Fame, the individual must have achieved a national presence in his or her chosen profession. His induction took place during the University's graduation ceremony in May 1997.
During retirement, Jim and Doreen enjoyed a relaxed lifestyle and spent casual time at their homes in the Coeur d'Alene area and Tucson, Arizona. Their free time allowed them to focus on the many highlights of their lives. They often focused on their little hometown of Mullan. They decided to give back to the community. Among the projects they financed over the years were: upgrading the City Park; paving a section of the road leading to the community cemetery; upgrading the local Lutheran Church; providing annual financial support to Mullan Community Foundation, Public Library, Mullan School District, Historical Society, Volunteer Fire Department and the City of Mullan.
Their favorite community activity is the "Christmas For Kids" project, which provides a full holiday experience for needy children in the area. They started this in 2001, and it has been active since. The Mullan Community Foundation has taken a leadership role in making the program a success every year. At the same time, it is the tremendous efforts of the many volunteers who make the program work so successfully.
Jim lost Doreen, the love of his life, in Dec. 2018, after 65 years of marital bliss. She remains loved and admired by all who knew her. Jim is survived by two sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 124 Terrill Loop, Mullan, Idaho. A reception will follow the service. After the reception, Jim will be laid to rest next to Doreen at the Mountain View Cemetery in Mullan.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Captain John Mullan Museum, P.O. Box 675, Mullan, ID 83846.
Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
Terrill